Facilitating the Process of Working Through in Psychotherapy

Book excerpt: Facilitating the Process of Working Through in Psychotherapy provides a detailed understanding and de-mystification of the concept of working through in dynamic psychotherapy, the most vital but neglected aspect of the therapeutic process. Just as there are multiple factors responsible for the creation and perpetuation of symptoms and suffering, multiple interventions are frequently required to work through and resolve them. This volume spans topics such as multiple causation, repetition compulsion, and the polarities of experience, while emphasizing the importance of providing a corrective emotional experience, recognising and repairing ruptures to the alliance and facilitating a positive ending to treatment. Verbatim transcripts of the author's therapy sessions illustrate the factors responsible for working through toward enduring change, and readers are taken through theory, research, and practice. This book is essential reading for all psychotherapists who are committed to increasing therapeutic effectiveness while enhancing their own personal and professional development.